Chapter 2 Verse 33
Sānkhya Yog
अथ चैत्त्वमिमं धर्म्यं संग्रामं न करिष्यसि। ततः स्वधर्मं कीर्तिं च हित्वा पापमवाप्स्यसि।।2.33।।
atha chet tvam imaṁ dharmyaṁ saṅgrāmaṁ na kariṣhyasi tataḥ sva-dharmaṁ kīrtiṁ cha hitvā pāpam avāpsyasi
Word Meanings
| atha chet | if, however |
| tvam | you |
| imam | this |
| dharmyam saṅgrāmam | righteous war |
| na | not |
| kariṣhyasi | act |
| tataḥ | then |
| sva-dharmam | one’s duty in accordance with the Vedas |
| kīrtim | reputation |
| cha | and |
| hitvā | abandoning |
| pāpam | sin |
| avāpsyasi | will incur |
Translation
But if you will not fight this righteous war, then having abandoned your own duty and reputation, you will incur sin.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse warns that refusing to do your rightful duty because of fear or selfishness is not neutral — it brings moral harm. "Duty" here means the responsibilities tied to your role in life (family, work, community) that keep order and care for others.
Abandoning duty also damages your reputation and inner integrity. Reputation is not just what others think but the honor and steadiness you carry; losing it often leads to regret and harm to yourself and those who depend on you.
Philosophically, the verse teaches that true spiritual progress comes from acting according to right duty, even when it is hard, and doing so without attachment to praise or reward.
Life Application
- Name one responsibility you have been avoiding and take one small step toward it today.
- Do your duties with honesty and care, focusing on the good they create rather than immediate comfort or praise.
- When afraid, choose the action that supports others and aligns with your values, not the easiest escape.
Reflection Question
What duty am I avoiding, and how would facing it change my life and those around me?